Burglar stole 86-year-old’s handbag

Sam Cooper

A burglar stole an 86-year-old woman’s handbag after claiming he would carry out gardening work at her home.

The woman was in her garden on Cornmill Drive, Liversedge at around 2pm on Sunday, August 23.

A man approached her asking if she would like some of her trees chopped down.

The pensioner agreed and paid the man for the work before going back into her home.

But he went into her home without permission and stole her handbag before leaving.

Detectives have now released this e-fit image of a man they would to speak to in connection with the incident.

He is described as white, aged in his late 30s to early 40s, of slim build, around 5ft 9ins tall, with dark mousey blond hair.

PC Simon Reddington, of Kirklees District CID, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area around this time who saw a man matching the suspect’s description or with any other information which could help our investigation.

“Our advice is that if an individual or company call round unexpectedly, ask the caller to go away and for a formal appointment to be made if you are interested in their services where you can also have other people present. Never feel under pressure, you are not under obligation to let them in.

“We would urge anyone who recognises the man pictured in this e-fit image or who saw a similar looking man in the area of the offence to call Kirklees CID via 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”